Birmingham Green Doors Open Day

The Event

Retrofit Action Week 2024: Nigel & Marta’s 1950’s Council House

Birmingham Green Doors aims to showcase energy efficient homes in Birmingham and the West Midlands. They do this through small group study visits hosted by people who have made energy saving improvements to their homes.

Seeing is believing. That’s why they want as many people to learn about energy efficient homes from the perspective of homeowners as possible.

So far, they’ve organised six events hosted by homeowners in Acocks Green, Erdington, Lichfield, Bournville, and Moseley/King’s Heath attended by over 100 people.

As part of Retrofit Action Week (Low Carbon Homes) taking place this May, Birmingham Green Doors are back in Acocks Green visiting Nigel and Marta’s 1950’s converted council house to see their journey towards a more energy efficient house.

Come along and meet this dynamic duo who have reduced the greenhouse gas emissions in their home by 51% so far.

Their home is a 1950s end-terrace four-bedroomed house, typical of many in Birmingham. Six years ago they added:

• external wall insulation
• under-floor heating
• upgraded heating controls
• mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
• solar electricity with battery storage

By taking a whole-house approach, they have made the home warmer, greener, and also improved the air quality. They have also insulated themselves against rising costs.

Nigel and Marta are also involved in innovative plans for communal ground source heat pumps in their neighbourhood, and are part of Acocks Greener.

You can read a blog here on how Nigel and Marta have made their home more energy efficient.

Tickets are free or pay-as-you-feel and any donations made go towards Birmingham Green Doors’ administration costs. Birmingham Green Doors is brought to you as part of BrumEnergy with support from BVSC and Midlands Net Zero Hub.

‌Who should attend?

• People interested in energy saving in their own home.
• People whose work involves advising others on how to save energy.
• Students who are learning about energy efficient buildings.